Dictionary of Aviation - 2nd Edition

engine capacity / end" n kəp s ti/ noun the swept volume of an engine

engine compartment / end" n kəm pɑ tmənt/ noun a space in the air-

frame where the engine is located

engineer / end" n ə/ noun a person who is qualified to design, build and repair machines aircraft engineer an engineer who specialises in the maintenance and repair of aircraft

engineering / end" n ər ŋ/ noun the use of scientific and mathematical principles for practical reasons such as the design, manufacture, and operation of machines and systems, etc. aircraft engineering the branch of aviation concerned with the maintenance and repair of aircraft Reinforced plastics or composites are being used in aircraft engineering instead of metals because they are much lighter.

engine failure / end" n fe ljə/ noun a situation in which an engine stops during running

engine indicating and crew

alerting system / end" nnd ke t ŋ ən kru ə l% t ŋ s stəm/

noun full form of EICAS

engine instruments / end" nnstrυmənts/ plural noun instruments

which give the pilot information about engine temperature, speed, etc. engine intake / end" n nte k/ noun the front part of the engine where air enters the engine

engine malfunction / end" n m lf ŋkʃən/ noun a situation in which the

engine does not work as it should engine oil / end" n ɔ l/ noun oil used especially to lubricate engines engine performance / end" n pəfɔ məns/ noun a description of how well the engine works or detailed statistical information about the capabilities of the engine

enhance / n hɑ ns/ verb to make greater or better or clearer Chances of survival are enhanced if passengers know where the emergency exits are.

‘…any automation must be designed to enhance the decision making abilities of

the crew, not replace them’ [INTER PILOT]

enhancement / n hɑ nsmənt/ noun the process of making greater, better or clearer enhancement of an image on a screen the improvement of an image on a screen

enlarge / n lɑ d"/ verb to make bigger or larger enlarge the hole make the hole bigger

enplane /en ple n/ verb to board or allow somebody to board an aircraft en route / ɒn ru t/ adverb, adjective on or along the way en route from New York to London on the way from New York to London en route alternate an airfield where it is possible to land if there is an in-flight problem en route weather conditions a description of the weather along the path of flight ensure / n ʃυə/ verb to make certain, to make sure The generator cut-out ensures that the battery cannot discharge. Before the engine is stopped, it should normally be allowed to run for a short period at idling speed, to ensure gradual cooling.

enter / entə/ verb 1. to come or go into

Air enters at the front of the cabin and leaves at the rear. 2. to write down e.g. information Enter the rectified airspeed in the log. Enter your name in the correct place in the form. 3. to put data into a computer, especially by using the keyboard to type it in Enter the data into the computer.

entire / n ta ə/ adjective whole, having no part excluded or left out the entire life of a thunderstorm the complete life of a thunderstorm

entry / entri/ noun 1. the act or instance of going in the flow of traffic at entry points to the airfield. 2. the writing in of an item, as in a record or log An entry should be made in the technical log.

entry point / entri pɔ nt/ noun a position on the ground above which an aircraft entering a control zone crosses the boundary

envelop / n veləp/ verb to surround and cover The atmosphere envelops the earth.

envelope / envələυp/ noun 1. the set of limitations within which a technological system, especially an aircraft, can perform safely and effectively

The boundaries of flight envelopes vary between aircraft categories and performance groups but in each case, there is a speed which must not be exceeded which is called the Vne (never-exceed speed). 2. a cover The atmosphere is the gaseous envelope surrounding the earth.

environment / n va rənmənt/ noun

1. nearby conditions or circumstances

A body of air warmer than its environment will rise. a non-computer environment a computer-free working situation 2. the natural world in which people, animals and plants live People are interested in issues to do with the environment, such as global warming.

environmental / n va rənment(ə)l/ adjective referring to the

immediate surroundings environmental conditions

environmental control system

/ n va rənment(ə)l kən trəυls stəm/ noun an air-conditioning system for the aircraft. Abbreviation ECS

environmental lapse rate

/ nva rənment(ə)l l ps re t/ noun the rate at which the temperature of the air falls as one rises above the earth

Although there is an average ELR of 1.98°C per 1,000 feet, in practice the ELR varies considerably with space and time. Abbreviation ELR

epoxy-based primer / pɒksi be st pra mə/ noun a primer contain-

ing epoxy resin, a substance which, with the addition of hardeners, becomes very strong and hard after a time at normal temperatures

equal / i kwəl/ adjective having the same quantity, measure, or value as another For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. verb to be the same in value as Two plus two equals four (2 + 2 = 4).

equalise / i kwəla z/, equalize verb to become the same in quantity, measure or value Fluid pressure and gas

pressure equalise at normal system pressure.

equate / kwe t/ verb to be the same as In an electrical circuit, an increase in length equates to an increase in resistance.

equation / kwe "(ə)n/ noun a statement, usually in symbols, that two quantities or mathematical expressions are equal X2 + Y2 = Z2. The equation Vg = P can be used to find the geostrophic wind.

equator / kwe tə/ noun the imaginary great circle around the Earth’s surface, equidistant from the poles and perpendicular to the Earth’s axis of rotation which divides the Earth into the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere Every point on the equator is equidistant from the poles. equatorial / ekwə tɔ riəl/ adjective referring to the equator or to conditions that exist at the Earth’s equator equatorial heat equatorial climate equilibrium / i kw l briəm/ noun a state of physical balance When an aircraft is in unaccelerated straight and level flight at a constant speed, the forces of lift, thrust, weight and drag are in equilibrium.

equipment / kw pmənt/ noun devices, systems, machines, etc., that are needed for a particular purpose

(NOTE: Equipment has no plural form; for one item say: a piece of equipment.)

electrical equipment devices, components, systems, etc., which use electricity

equivalent / kw vələnt/ adjective having the same purpose or value as something else The function of a logic gate is equivalent to that of a switch. A metal part could be as much as 25 times heavier than an equivalent plastic part.

equivalent shaft horsepower /

kw vələnt ʃɑ ft hɔ spaυə/ noun the unit used for stating the total power of a turboprop engine, consisting of the shaft horsepower of the engine plus the thrust from the engine. Abbreviation ESHP

error / erə/ noun 1. a mistake or incorrect calculation an error in somebody’s work errors caused by location

2. the known inaccuracy of an instrument or system which has to be corrected by calculating the true value escape / ske p/ noun the act of getting away from or out of a place after being held escape of fuel or oil unwanted loss of fuel or oil escape from danger getting to a safe place verb to get away from or out of after being held If there is a hole in the fuselage of a pressurised aircraft, air escapes from the cabin to the atmosphere.

escape hatch / ske p h tʃ/ noun a small doorway only used in emergencies

escape route / ske p ru t/ noun the passengers’ way out of an aircraft after an emergency landing

escape slide / ske p sla d/ noun a device which allows passengers to exit the aircraft safely in an emergency, when no steps are available

ESHP abbreviation equivalent shaft horsepower

essential / senʃəl/ adjective absolutely necessary Teamwork within the crew is essential. A knowledge of the tropopause is essential. non-essential not necessary

EST abbreviation 1. Eastern Standard Time 2. estimate (ICAO) 3. estimated

(ICAO)

establish / st bl ʃ/ verb 1. to be confirmed as stable in a particular flight condition, such as a flight level or glideslope, etc. Once established on the downwind leg, the pilot should perform the checks. 2. to work out or to calculate establish your position find out where you are 3. to position Lowpower NDBs (Non-Directional Radio Beacons) are often established at the outer or middle marker sites. 4. to establish communication to make contact with to establish control to get control

estimate / est me t/ verb 1. to calculate approximately the cost, value or size of something I estimate that it

will take about two hours for us to reach our destination. Cloud heights may be measured or estimated. 2. to form a judgement about to estimate the chances of something to weigh the possibilities and form an opinion

estimated take-off time

/ est me t d te k ɒf ta m/ noun the time when an aircraft is expected to take off. Abbreviation ETOT

estimated time of arrival

/ est me t d ta m əv ə ra v(ə)l/ noun the time when an aircraft is expected to arrive. Abbreviation ETA

estimated time of departure

/ est mət d ta m əv d pɑ tʃə/ noun the time when an aircraft is expected to take off. Abbreviation ETD estimation / est me ʃ(ə)n/ noun 1. an approximate calculation an estimation of ground speed Estimation of visibility is achieved by noting the distances at which lights of known candle power can be observed and relating these distances to visibility-by-day values. 2. an opinion in my estimation in my opinion

ETA abbreviation estimated time of arrival

ETD abbreviation estimated time of departure

ETOT abbreviation estimated take-off time

Eurocontrol / jυərəυkən trəυl/ noun the European organisation for the safety of air navigation (NOTE: Eurocontrol operates the ATC centre at Maastricht in the Netherlands and the Central Flow Management Unit in Brussels.)

European Geostationary Navi-

gation Overlay Service

/ jυərəpiən d"i əυste ʃ(ə)n(ə)rin v $e ʃ(ə)n əυvəle s% v s/ noun

full form of EGNOS

evacuate / v kjue t/ verb 1. to remove all the people from somewhere in the event of an emergency to evacuate all passengers from the airport 2. to empty somewhere of all people in it because of an emergency to evacuate the aircraft 3. to create a vacuum

evacuate a glass jar remove all the air from a glass jar

evacuation / v kju e ʃ(ə)n/ noun

1.the act of removing all people from somewhere in the event of an emergency The evacuation of the passengers from the airport was not ordered.

2.an act of emptying somewhere of all people in it because of an emergency

The evacuation of the aircraft did not take long. evacuation command an evacuation order from the captain ditching evacuation an evacuation after the aircraft has force-landed on water

evaluate / v ljue t/ verb to examine and judge carefully Deposits of ice are detected and continuously evaluated to operate a warning system. evaluation / v lju e ʃ(ə)n/ noun the examination and judgement of something The ice detector system provides continuous evaluation of conditions conducive to the formation of ice.

evaporate / v pəre t/ verb to convert or change a liquid into a vapour In the heat of the day, water evaporates from the surface of the earth. Opposite condense

evaporation / v pə re ʃ(ə)n/ noun the changing of a liquid into vapour, vaporisation Carburettor icing can be caused by the expansion of gases in the carburettor and the evaporation of liquid fuel.

even / i v(ə)n/ adjective 1. flat or smooth, with no bumps or dents 2. the same in all parts of an area or over a whole surface an even distribution of passengers an even application of paint 3. even numbers exactly divisible by 2, e.g. 4, 6, 20 adverb 1. yet more It will be even higher than the new building. even faster not just as fast as, but more 2. even if whether or not Stop at the holding point even if there are no other aircraft on the approach. even though in spite of the fact that He gained his private pilot’s licence even though he was 73 years old.

event / vent/ noun a happening The Paris air show is a major event. in the event of if something should happen

Passengers should fasten their seat belts in the event of turbulence. in the event of main pump failure if there should be a failure of the main pump in the event of fire if there should be a fire

eventual / ventʃuəl/ adjective happening at an unspecified time in the future Water in the fuel may lead to eventual engine stoppage. eventually / ventʃuəli/ adverb at an unspecified time in the future Vapour cools and eventually condenses.

evidence / ev d(ə)ns/ noun an outward sign external evidence of cracks something which can be seen on the surface which suggests that there is a deeper structural problem Deformed wing panels may be evidence of an over-stressed airframe.

evident / ev d(ə)nt/ adjective obvious, easily seen or understood It is evident from the information available that language problems played a part in the cause of the accident. self-evident clear in itself, without further explanation

exact / $ z kt/ adjective completely accurate or correct The exact fuel flow and pressure is adjusted. the calculation is not exact the calculation is not 100% correct

exactly / $ z ktli/ adverb 1. accurately, correctly Measure the quantity exactly. 2. absolutely, completely A fuel injection system performs exactly the same function as a carburettor.

examination / $ z m ne ʃ(ə)n/ noun 1. a set of questions or exercises testing knowledge or skill The examination includes a flight plan. 2. medical examination medical check-up 3. a careful observation or inspection the examination of a faulty component

‘…the pilot of a Grumman Cheetah refused to be breathalysed, and was taken to a police station for examination by a police surgeon, who confirmed that he had been drinking’ [Pilot]

examine / $ z m n/ verb 1. to find out how much knowledge or skill somebody possesses by means of questions or exercises Students will be examined in four subjects. 2. to test or check the condition or health of somebody to examine a patient 3. to study or analyse something to examine charts exceed / k si d/ verb to be greater than Vertical velocity of updraughts can exceed 50 kt.

exception / k sepʃən/ noun something or somebody not included an exception to the rule an example which does not conform to a general rule with the exception of not including with the exception of Smith, all the students passed their exams

Smith did not pass, but the other students did

exceptional / k sepʃən(ə)l/ adjective 1. being an exception, uncommon in exceptional circumstances in unusual circumstances 2. well above average, extraordinary an exceptional pilot a very good pilot

excess / k ses/ noun an amount or quantity beyond what is normal or sufficient excess power the difference between horsepower available and horsepower required in excess of more than a height in excess of 50,000 feet a height greater than 50,000 feet

excess baggage / ekses b $ d"/ noun an amount, usually expressed as weight, of baggage which exceeds the airline’s limit per passenger excessive / k ses v/ adjective more than the normal, usual, reasonable, or proper limit Excessive use of power when taxiing will require excessive use of brakes.

exchange / ks tʃe nd"/ verb to give in return for something received

Meteorological stations exchange information with other meteorological stations.

excitation / eks te ʃ(ə)n/ noun the act of supplying a small current to the windings of larger electrical motors, etc. Pilot excitation consists of a pilot exciter and a main exciter, to provide

the direct current for the motor of the alternating current generator.

exciter / k sa tə/ noun the source of a small current to supply electrical current to the windings of larger electrical motors, etc., e.g. a battery Pilot excitation consists of a pilot exciter and a main exciter, to provide the direct current for the motor of the alternating current generator.

exclude / k sklu d/ verb to keep out, to prevent from entering Joints and interfaces should exclude moisture and improve fatigue life.

exercise / eksəsa z/ noun an activity that requires physical or mental effort or practice a classroom exercise Swimming is good physical exercise for people such as pilots who spend a lot of time sitting down. verb to use or to put into play or operation Student pilots must exercise special care when landing in a strong crosswind.

exert / $ z% t/ verb to exert a force to put a force on something Pressure is the force per unit area exerted by the atmosphere on a given surface area. to exert an influence to have an influence to exert pressure to put pressure onto something

exhaust / $ zɔ st/ noun 1. the escape or release of vaporous waste material from an engine 2. a pipe through which waste gases pass out of the engine The exhaust valve opens to allow for the exit of exhaust gases. verb to consume or use up all of something Supplies of fuel are exhausted. (NOTE: To run out is less formal.)

exhaust gas / $ zɔ st $ s/ noun gas which is the product of the combustion process and which is passed out through the exhaust system Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide.

exhaust system / $ zɔ st s stəm/ noun a system of pipes, silencers, etc., which carry exhaust gases from the engine to a point where they are released into the atmosphere exhaust valve / $ zɔ st v lv/ noun a valve in a piston engine which allows exhaust gases to leave the cylinder

exhibit / $ z b t/ verb to have or to display Composites, due to their construction, exhibit good fatigue behaviour. Altocumulus are (usually) white layers or patches of cloud frequently exhibiting a waved appearance.

exist / $ z st/ verb to be present under particular circumstances or in a specified place Water can exist in the atmosphere in three forms. A fire risk may exist following failure or leakage of any component.

existence / $ z stəns/ noun the fact or state of being Warning systems are provided to give an indication of a possible failure or the existence of a dangerous condition.

exit / e$z t/ noun 1. the act of going out of a place The exhaust valve opens to allow for the exit of exhaust gases. exit velocity the velocity of exhaust gases from a jet engine 2. a way out exit nozzle / eks t nɒz(ə)l/ noun a pipe or opening through which exhaust gases leave a jet engine

exit point / eks t pɔ nt/ noun a position on the ground above which an aircraft leaving a control zone crosses the boundary

expand / k sp nd/ verb to increase in size, volume or quantity, to enlarge

Air expands when heated and contracts when cooled.

expansion / k sp nʃən/ noun an increase in size, volume or quantity

There is an expansion of the gas when it is heated.

expansion chamber / k sp nʃəntʃe mbə/ noun a container which allows for expansion of a fluid caused by increase in temperature, etc. expect / k spekt/ verb to hope or to assume that something is going to happen the weather to be expected along a route We expect flight AC 309 within ten minutes. as might be expected as people think would happen

‘…by 1959 there were some 40 pilots past age 60 flying the line with the number expected to rise to 250 within the next few years’ [INTER PILOT]

expected / k spekt d/ adjective being thought or hoped to be taking

place the expected number of passengers

expected approach time / kspekt d ə prəυtʃ ta m/ the time at

which air traffic control expects an arriving aircraft to complete its approach for landing, following a delay. Abbreviation EAT

expedite / eksp da t/ verb to speed up the progress of to expedite the evacuation to speed up the evacuation to expedite the disembarkation to get the passengers off the aircraft quickly expel / k spel/ verb to force out, to drive out Exhaust gases are expelled from the cylinder by the upward movement of the piston. The piston draws fluid into the cylinders on the outward stroke and expels fluid into the system on the inward stroke.

experience / k sp əriəns/ noun 1. the building up of knowledge or skill over a period of time by an active participation in events or activities a pilot with 20 years’ experience 2. an event or incident The first solo is an experience most pilots never forget. verb to undergo, participate in or find oneself in a particular situation It is not unusual to experience traffic delays on the ground prior to departure. Turbulence can be experienced when flying through a trough.

experiment noun / k sper mənt/ a scientific test, carried out under controlled conditions, that is made to demonstrate or discover something Experiments have shown that left-handed people often have better hand/eye coordination than right handed people. to

conduct an experiment to perform an experiment verb / k sper ment/ to

experiment (with) to carry out a scientific test under controlled conditions in order to demonstrate or discover something

experimental / k sper ment(ə)l/ adjective referring to something still at an early stage of development, not tried and tested the experimental and testing stages of a new type of aircraft. an experimental aircraft an aircraft designed to be used for experimental

purposes The experimental aircraft were used to investigate high-speed flight.

explanatory / k spl nət(ə)ri/ adjective referring to something which explains explanatory paragraph a paragraph of text which explains something self-explanatory something which does not need any further explanation

explosion / k spləυ"(ə)n/ noun 1. a release of energy in a sudden and often violent way an explosion caused by a bomb 2. an act of bursting as a result of internal pressure tyre explosion due to overheating 3. the loud sound made as a result of an explosion The passengers heard an explosion.

explosive / k spləυs v/ adjective referring to something having the nature of an explosion an explosive effect having the effect of an explosionnoun a substance, especially a prepared chemical, that explodes or causes explosions, e.g. Semtex

expose / k spəυz/ verb to uncover something or leave something uncovered so that it is not protected from something such as rain or sunlight

When the slope of a hill is exposed to solar radiation, wind currents are set up. exposed to the sun in sunlight without covering exposed surface a surface without paint or covering of any sort

exposure / k spəυ"ə/ noun 1. the fact of being exposed, especially to severe weather or other forces of nature

After 24 hours in the sea, she was suffering from the effects of exposure and was taken to hospital. 2. the fact of being subjected to something Exposure to radio-active substances may cause cancer.

express / k spres/ verb to put into words, symbols or signs Bearings may be expressed as true or relative. An angle may be expressed in degrees, minutes and seconds. Pressure altitudes are expressed in hundreds of feet. extend / k stend/ verb to stretch or spread from one point to another in space or time Air from the Gulf of

Mexico can extend into Canada. Cumulonimbus clouds may extend to over 50,000 ft. to extend the duration of something to prolong the time

The visit was extended to allow time for more discussions.

extensive / k stens v/ adjective large in range or amount an extensive area a large area extensive cloud a lot of cloud extensive use is made of much use is made of

extent / k stent/ noun a range or amount of something The horizontal extent of the cloud averages about 50 km. Clouds of great vertical extent are not uncommon. to a certain extent, to some extent partly The accident was caused, to a certain extent, by the poor weather. to a lesser extent not as much as something previously stated

The cloud types which are most likely to affect flying conditions in terms of icing, precipitation and turbulence are cumulus, cumulonimbus and, to a lesser extent, nimbostratus.

external / k st% n(ə)l/ adjective referring to, existing on, or connected with the outside or an outer part The only external force acting on air is gravity.

Opposite internal external appearance the appearance of something from the outside

external ambient pressure / kst% n(ə)l mbiənt preʃə/ noun pres-

sure outside the aircraft

extinguish / k st ŋ$w ʃ/ verb to put out The fire services extinguished the fire.

extinguisher / k st ŋ$w ʃə/ noun a portable mechanical device for spraying and putting out a fire with chemicals

Hand-operated fire extinguishers are provided to combat any outbreaks of fire in the flight crew compartment and passengers’ cabins.

extract noun / ekstr kt/ a part taken from a longer text The following par-

agraph is an extract from a flight manual. verb / k str kt/ 1. to obtain from

a substance by chemical or mechanical action A dehumidifier extracts moisture from the atmosphere. 2. to take out or to obtain information from some-

thing Extract the important information from a text.

extrapolate / k str pəle t/ verb to estimate by using known facts Information given on a synoptic chart can be extrapolated, by the use of some simple guidelines.

extreme / k stri m/ adjective 1. most distant in any direction, the outermost or farthest the most extreme point on the map 2. to the greatest or highest

degree, very great extreme care must be taken the greatest care must be taken

extreme difficulty great difficulty noun either of the two things, values, situations, etc., situated at opposite ends of a range the extremes of boiling and freezing The region experiences extremes of temperature.

eye /a / noun an organ in the head which lets you see.

vision

F symbol 1. Fahrenheit 2. farad

FAA abbreviation US Federal Aviation Administration

fabric / f br k/ noun material or cloth produced especially by knitting or weaving A breathing mask has a fabric carrying bag.

fabricate / f br ke t/ verb to make or manufacture Selected wing panels are fabricated entirely from magnesium alloys. The ease with which aluminium can be fabricated into any form is one of its most important qualities.

face /fe s/ noun 1. the surface of an object the face of the earth The exhaust cone prevents the hot gases from flowing across the rear face of the turbine disc. the north face of the mountain the vertical or near-vertical side facing north 2. the front part with dial, indicators, etc. the face of an instrument the face of a clock the front part of the clock with numbers 3. the front of the head, including the eyes, nose, mouth full face smoke mask a protective mask for fighting fires which covers the whole face verb to be turned towards a particular direction

Hills and mountains which face the sun receive more intense radiation. the building faces north the building has its front towards the north

facilitate /fə s l te t/ verb to enable something to happen more easily or quickly A ramp is used to facilitate access to the wing. Clearly marked exits facilitate rapid evacuation of passengers.

facility /fə s l ti/ noun 1. ability or ease in moving, acting, or doing some-

thing a facility in learning to fly a good natural ability for flying 2. an installation or building which provides specific operating assistance DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) ground facility 3. a mode of operation which allows the user of equipment to do something The printer has a selftest facility. 4. facilities things, especially buildings or equipment, that people can use a clubhouse with good facilities a clubhouse with a number of features which can be used by members and guests, e.g. restaurant, bar, reading room, swimming pool medical facilities hospitals, clinics, etc.

facsimile /f k s m li/ noun same as fax

fact /f kt/ noun information presented as real Temperature changes are an important fact in meteorology. in (point of) fact in reality, in truth

factor / f ktə/ noun 1. an important part of a result, a process, etc. Visibility remains a very important factor in aviation. critical factor extremely important factor dominant factor most important factor safety factor something which plays an important part in safety 2. by a factor of quantity by which a stated quantity is multiplied or divided, so as to indicate an increase or decrease in a measurement by a factor of ten ten times The rate is increased by a factor of 10. conversion factor a formula or figure used for conversion of temperatures, distances, etc., from one system to another The conversion factor for converting UK gallons to litres is: x 4.546.

fade /fe d/ noun 1. a periodic reduction in the received strength of a radio transmission Surface wave at night causes fade of the signal. 2. a periodic reduction in braking power Hard braking can cause fade and tyre burst through overheating. verb to lose strength, brightness, loudness, or brilliance gradually the lights faded the lights became less and less bright, the lights dimmed the radio signal faded the radio signal became weaker and weaker

Fahrenheit / f rənha t/ noun a scale of temperatures where the freezing and boiling points of water are 32° and 212° respectively. Compare Celsius, centigrade (NOTE: Used in the USA but now less common in the UK; usually written as an F after the degree sign: 32° F.)

fail /fe l/ verb 1. to stop working properly the brakes failed the brakes did not work the wing failed during a high-speed turn the wing broke during a high-speed turn 2. to receive an academic grade below the acceptable minimum in an examination or a course of study the trainee failed his navigation examination the trainee did not pass her navigation exam without fail certainly, definitely Be here at 8 o’clock without fail.

fail safe / fe l se f/ noun the principle of designing a structure so that the failure of one part does not affect the safety of the whole

fail safe system / fe l se f s stəm/ noun a system or device which has inbuilt safeguards against total failure

The term fail safe means that the structure, though damaged, is capable of supporting a reasonable percentage of its design load.

failure / fe ljə/ noun 1. a stoppage or a breakdown bearing failure Engine failure is sometimes accompanied by fire. power failure loss of engine power, or loss of electrical power supply 2. the fact of not achieving the desired goal or result the failure of an experiment failure to do something not doing something The steward’s failure to remain at his station made the

emergency situation worse. 3. the fact of not passing a course, a test, or an examination His failure in the GFT (General Flying Test) meant that he didn’t finish the course.

fair /feə/ adjective 1. free of clouds or storms, clear and sunny fair weather good weather 2. just, reasonable, free of favouritism or bias a fair exam an exam which tested students on what they had been taught, was of reasonable difficulty and duration and which did not trick the candidates it is fair to say that he should have done better it is reasonable to say that he should have done better verb to join pieces so as to be smooth, even, or regular The aircraft’s wing is faired into the fuselage.

fairing / feər ŋ/ noun a device to improve the flow of air over a surface

There is a dorsal fairing at the base of the fin or vertical stabiliser. Wheel fairings, called spats, are fitted to light aircraft to reduce drag. spat, nacelle

fairly / feəli/ adverb moderately, rather, quite fairly high levels moderately high levels fairly simple moderately simple

fall /fɔ l/ noun 1. a drop or lessening in amount fall in pressure a drop in pressure 2. the amount of rain or snow which comes down at any one time an overnight fall of snow 3. US autumn verb 1. to become less in amount atmospheric pressure is falling atmospheric pressure is decreasing 2. to be included within the range of something

Aircraft fall into a number of type categories. Design methods fall into four groups. Long-range high-frequency communications fall in the frequency bracket 2–25 MHz. 3. to drop or come down freely because of gravity Light rain may fall occasionally. 4. to occur at a particular time New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday this year. (NOTE: falling

– fell – fallen)

false /fɔ ls/ adjective not true, incorrect Lightning may cause false readings from sensitive instruments. false glide path information incorrect glide path information